The Samsung Galaxy A35 5G offers an enticing combination of premium design, 5G connectivity, and powerful features, all while staying within the affordable range. Aimed at those who want a modern, reliable smartphone without a hefty price tag, the A35 5G brings a lot to the table. But how does it perform in the competitive mid-range market? Let’s take a detailed look.
Key Specifications at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Display | 6.4-inch, FHD+ Super AMOLED, 90Hz refresh rate |
| Processor | MediaTek Dimensity 700 |
| RAM & Storage | 4GB/6GB RAM, 64GB/128GB (expandable via microSD) |
| Cameras | 48MP main, 5MP ultra-wide, 2MP depth |
| Front Camera | 13MP |
| Battery | 5000mAh, 15W wired charging |
| OS | One UI 5.1 (based on Android 13) |
| Price | Starting at NPR 29,999 |
Design & Build Quality
The Galaxy A35 5G retains Samsung’s signature premium aesthetic with a plastic back and a polycarbonate frame. The device feels sturdy while keeping its weight manageable.
- Color Options: Available in Black, White, and Light Blue for a sleek, modern look.
- Dimensions: Slim design at 8.4mm thickness and 188g weight, ensuring a comfortable grip.
- IP67 Water Resistance: This feature adds an extra layer of protection against water and dust.
The design offers a balance between modern flair and practicality, perfect for users looking for a stylish yet functional device.
Display
The 6.4-inch Super AMOLED display on the Galaxy A35 5G is one of the phone’s key selling points:
- FHD+ resolution ensures sharp and clear visuals.
- 90Hz refresh rate makes for smooth scrolling and interactions.
- The display’s 400 nits peak brightness ensures decent outdoor visibility.
- Colors are vivid, and the contrast levels are impressive, especially for an affordable phone.
The display is excellent for media consumption, gaming, and browsing, delivering vibrant and engaging visuals.
Performance
Equipped with the MediaTek Dimensity 700 chipset and up to 6GB RAM, the Galaxy A35 5G strikes a good balance between affordability and performance:
- Everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and messaging are handled with ease.
- Mid-tier games such as PUBG Mobile and Asphalt 9 run smoothly at medium settings, though demanding games may require lower graphics settings for optimal performance.
- Benchmark Scores:
- AnTuTu: ~350,000
- Geekbench 6: Single-core: ~700 | Multi-core: ~2000
It’s a good fit for users who need reliable performance without going over budget.
Camera
The triple-camera setup on the Galaxy A35 5G delivers adequate performance for its price range:
- 48MP Main Sensor: Produces good detail in daylight with Phase Detection Autofocus (PDAF), while low-light performance is decent with the help of Night Mode.
- 5MP Ultra-Wide Lens: Great for landscapes and group shots, though the quality drops slightly in low light.
- 2MP Depth Sensor: Works well for creating background blur in portrait shots.
- 13MP Front Camera: Captures crisp and clear selfies with a natural skin tone, and works well in well-lit environments.
Video Recording:
- 1080p video at 30fps with adequate stabilization.
- Video quality is solid for casual recording, though there’s no 4K support.
Battery Life
The 5000mAh battery in the Galaxy A35 5G ensures solid endurance:
- Screen-on time of around 8-10 hours for daily use.
- Easily lasts a full day with moderate use, including social media, texting, and streaming.
- 15W fast charging is supported, though not as fast as some competitors. A full charge takes about 2 hours.
While the charging speed could be better, the long battery life ensures that users don’t have to worry about charging frequently throughout the day.
Software
The One UI 5.1 (based on Android 13) experience on the Galaxy A35 5G is smooth and intuitive:
- Customization options: Samsung’s One UI allows for various home screen layouts, widgets, and icons.
- Advanced features: Edge Panels and Samsung Knox for security add extra value to the device.
- Software updates: Samsung promises 2 years of OS updates and 4 years of security patches, ensuring longevity.
The software experience is clean and user-friendly, with an emphasis on security and personalization.
Connectivity & Extras
- 5G Support: The Galaxy A35 5G is future-proof with support for 5G networks, ensuring fast connectivity.
- Ports: USB-C and a 3.5mm headphone jack for wired audio.
- Biometrics: Side-mounted fingerprint scanner provides quick and accurate unlocking.
- Speaker: Mono speaker with decent quality, but lacks stereo sound.
Pricing & Competition
The Samsung Galaxy A35 5G is priced at NPR 29,999 (4GB/64GB variant), making it a strong contender in the affordable 5G smartphone market. Its competitors include:
- Redmi Note 12 5G: Offers better charging speed but lacks water resistance.
- Realme Narzo 60 5G: Strong performance and fast charging, but lacks AMOLED display.
- Samsung Galaxy M14 5G: Offers better battery life but falls short in terms of camera quality.
While competitors may offer slightly faster charging or better cameras, the Galaxy A35 5G’s combination of 5G support, solid performance, and sleek design make it a reliable choice.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Affordable 5G connectivity.
- Super AMOLED display with vibrant colors.
- Decent 48MP main camera with good daylight performance.
- IP67 water resistance for durability.
Cons:
- 15W charging is slower than some rivals.
- No 4K video recording support.
- Mono speaker could be better.
Conclusion
The Samsung Galaxy A35 5G offers an excellent balance of style, performance, and 5G connectivity at an affordable price. It’s a great option for users who need a reliable smartphone for everyday use, occasional gaming, and streaming. With its solid camera, long-lasting battery, and premium design, it’s one of the top choices in the budget 5G market in Nepal.
If you’re looking for a smartphone that covers all the essentials without overspending, the Galaxy A35 5G is a solid pick.